Agencies Boost Security for Azalea Festival After Downtown Stabbings

Law enforcement and public safety officials work to ensure safety at Wilmington's major annual event following recent violent incidents.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty investigation into recent violent incidents in downtown Wilmington.As Wilmington braces for its largest annual event, a recent wave of downtown violence exposes the challenges of ensuring public safety.Wilmington Today

Agencies across New Hanover County are collaborating to boost security and public safety measures for Wilmington's upcoming Azalea Festival, following two unrelated stabbings in the downtown area over the Easter weekend. The incidents, which resulted in one death, quickly gained attention on social media and prompted scrutiny of the police response. With the festival expected to draw 250,000 people and generate $50 million in economic impact, officials are taking the concerns seriously and vowing a 'massive law enforcement presence' throughout the event.

Why it matters

The Azalea Festival is Wilmington's largest annual event, drawing huge crowds to the downtown area. After the recent violent incidents, there are heightened concerns about public safety that officials are working to address through increased coordination and security measures.

The details

The two unrelated stabbings occurred just days before the Azalea Festival, prompting New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise to call for the Sheriff's Office to provide additional assistance to the short-staffed Wilmington Police Department. While officials could not disclose specifics, the Sheriff's Office said it will have a 'massive law enforcement presence' serving as event escorts and helping to ensure the festivities run smoothly. The fire department is also preparing, though not sending additional staff.

  • The stabbings occurred over Easter weekend, just days before the 2026 Azalea Festival.
  • The Azalea Festival is an annual event that typically draws 250,000 people to Wilmington.

The players

Ryan Zuidema

Wilmington Police Chief who defended the department's response to the recent stabbings.

Dane Scalise

New Hanover County Commissioner who called for increased Sheriff's Office assistance during the Azalea Festival.

Jerry Brewer

Lieutenant and public information officer for the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office.

Britney Melvin

Risk Reduction Coordinator for New Hanover Fire Rescue.

David Joyner

Wilmington City Council member who has had 'very direct conversations' with the police chief about public safety and staffing needs.

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What they’re saying

“We have a massive law enforcement presence everywhere this week. My argument is it should be this same way every single week. Not just during Azalea Festival. Our citizens and businesses deserve nothing less.”

— Dane Scalise, New Hanover County Commissioner

“Throughout the festival, you'll see us serving as event escorts. We guide visitors, parade participants and special guests safely through the celebration, and help ensure each moment shines for our community from start to finish.”

— Jerry Brewer, Lieutenant and public information officer, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office

“Any violent crime concerns me. We don't want violent crime anywhere in this community, whether it's downtown, whether it's anywhere else, right? And that's something that we try and put as many resources towards as we can.”

— Ryan Zuidema, Wilmington Police Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the suspect in the recent downtown stabbing to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges Wilmington faces in balancing public safety, staffing shortages, and the economic importance of major events like the Azalea Festival. Officials are working to ensure a safe and successful festival, but long-term solutions around law enforcement resources and community relations remain critical.